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The Counting Groups block displays groups of images with labels for counting and skip counting demonstrations. Use it to visually show grouping concepts, demonstrate counting patterns, or illustrate skip counting sequences. This is a display block for teaching and demonstration. Learners can view the counting groups but aren’t assessed on them.
For assessable counting activities where learners complete missing labels, use the Counting Groups Question block instead.

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When to use Counting Groups blocks

Counting Groups blocks work well for:
  • Demonstrating skip counting sequences (2s, 5s, 10s, etc.)
  • Teaching grouping concepts visually
  • Showing number patterns and relationships
  • Providing reference examples before assessment questions
  • Illustrating multiplication readiness concepts

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Settings

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Basic setup

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Count by
number
default:"5"
The number to count by for skip counting sequences (1–1000). Used with the generate labels action.
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Instruction
text
default:""
Custom instruction text to display above the counting groups (up to 1000 characters).

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Visual settings

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Layout
select
default:"horizontal"
How the groups are arranged:
  • Horizontal: Groups appear in a single row
  • Wrap: Groups wrap to new lines when needed
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Label position
select
default:"below"
Where labels appear relative to each group:
  • Below: Labels appear under the groups
  • Above: Labels appear over the groups
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Show dividers
switch
default:"false"
When enabled, shows visual dividers between groups to make grouping clearer.
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Group spacing
select
default:"medium"
The amount of space between groups:
  • Small: Compact spacing
  • Medium: Standard spacing
  • Large: Generous spacing

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Groups

Create your counting groups by adding images and setting their properties:
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Image
image
The image to display for this group. Choose images that clearly show the quantity you want to represent.
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Image alt text
text
Descriptive text for screen readers (up to 200 characters).
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Item count
number
How many items this group represents (0–10,000). This can be different from the actual countable objects in the image if needed.
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Label
text
The text to display as the label for this group (up to 200 characters).
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Show label
switch
default:"true"
Whether to show the label for this group.

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Quick setup

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Generate labels from count by
action
Automatically creates labels for all groups based on the “Count by” setting. For example, with “Count by” set to 5, this creates labels: 5, 10, 15, 20, etc.

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Tips for teachers and parents

Best practices:
  • Use consistent visual groupings that clearly show the intended quantity
  • Start with concrete objects before moving to abstract representations
  • Choose images where learners can easily count or recognize the quantity
  • Use the Generate labels from count by action to quickly create counting sequences
  • Position labels consistently to avoid confusion
  • Use appropriate group spacing to make groupings visually clear
Creating effective displays:
  • For counting by 1s: Show individual objects clearly grouped
  • For skip counting: Use groups of consistent sizes (e.g., groups of 5 for counting by 5s)
  • For pattern recognition: Create visual rhythms with consistent spacing and sizing
  • For comparison: Show different group sizes side by side
Teaching strategies:
  • Start by having learners count individual items in each group
  • Progress to counting the totals using the labels
  • Connect to multiplication concepts by emphasizing equal groups
  • Use as reference displays before moving to interactive questions
  • Combine with verbal counting practice and gesture
Extensions:
  • Follow up with related Number Frame or Array blocks
  • Connect to written number patterns and sequences
  • Use in combination with Counting Groups Question blocks for assessment
  • Link to real-world examples of grouping (egg cartons, ice cube trays, etc.)